What you can do at home
apply a rich cream every day, straight after washing and before playing outside. Keep showers short and lukewarm.
Skin concern
Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist, on
About 3 minutes to read
Children's skin in autumn: 5 problems and what you can do
Cold, wind and dry air make children's skin dry and easily irritated in autumn. A child's skin is thinner and loses moisture faster. You often see it on the cheeks, hands and around the mouth. Below you can read five problems, what you can do at home and when a dermatologist should look.
Reply within 12 to 48 hours · no referral needed
Why autumn is hard on children's skin
A child's skin is thinner and loses moisture faster. Cold outdoor air and dry air indoors make it drier and more easily irritated.
Cold outdoor air
Dry air indoors
Dry skin
What you see: rough, dry cheeks and hands, sometimes with small cracks.
When a consultation fits
if the cracks are deep or bleed.
Read more about dry skin
Eczema
What you see: dry, red, itchy patches. Often in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the cheeks or on the neck.
What you can do at home
the same care as for dry skin, every day.
When a consultation fits
if the patches become wet or crusted, or if your child sleeps badly because of the itch.
Read more about eczema
Redness around the mouth
What you see: a red, dry rim around the lips, often from licking, wind and cold.
What you can do at home
use a rich lip balm and wear a scarf outside.
When a consultation fits
if you see yellow crusts or cracks.
Yellow crusts around the mouth
What you see: blisters that burst and form yellow crusts. This can be contagious and often needs treatment.
When a consultation fits
with yellow crusts or painful blisters.
Read more about impetigo
Water warts
What you see: small, shiny bumps with a dimple in the middle. They are more common with dry skin or eczema.
What you can do at home
they are harmless and usually go away on their own. This can take months. Do not scratch or squeeze them, as that is how they spread.
When a consultation fits
if they become red and painful or spread quickly.
Read more about water warts
When should a dermatologist look?
Not sure whether this needs a look? Have a dermatologist assess it: you get an answer within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call 112.
Start a consultation if your child:
- has yellow crusts, painful cracks or small pus spots
- gets painful blisters
- sleeps badly because of itching
- does not improve after 1 to 2 weeks of good care
Please note
A fever together with skin problems: contact your GP straight away.
Have a dermatologist look at your skin
Upload photos and answer a few questions. A BIG-registered dermatologist replies within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed.
If more is needed, the dermatologist refers you to a medical specialist.
Want to know what a dermatologist does, when you can see one and how quickly that can happen? Read more about the dermatologist.
How a consultation for your child works
Tell us what is bothering you
Open the app, add clear photos of your skin concern in daylight, and answer a short questionnaire, all from your phone. It takes about five minutes.
A dermatologist reviews your photos
A BIG-registered dermatologist reviews your photos and your answers personally. If more information is needed, the dermatologist asks you a question in the chat. You can always reply, even without the chat add-on.
Your treatment plan, within 12 to 48 hours
Your assessment and personalised treatment plan appear in the app. If medication is needed, your dermatologist issues the prescription directly in the app, to use at your own pharmacy. If you live in the Netherlands, you can also choose free home delivery via our partner pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start a consultation for my child?
As a parent or caregiver, you can request a consult for minor children. You must be at least 18 years old yourself and be a parent or legal guardian. Step by step: Register yourself in the app Tap 'Start a consultation' and select 'Consult for someone else' Enter your child's details (name, date of birth, BSN if applicable, etc.) Upload photos and describe the symptoms You as the parent receive all communication Common childhood conditions: eczema, nappy rash, impetigo, molluscum, acne (teenagers) and rashes with an unknown cause.
What can I do at home for dry skin in children?
Apply a rich cream every day, straight after washing and before playing outside. Keep showers short and lukewarm.
Are water warts dangerous?
They are harmless and usually go away on their own. This can take months. Do not scratch or squeeze them, as that is how they spread.
Are yellow crusts contagious?
Blisters that burst and form yellow crusts can be contagious and often need treatment. Have them looked at.
When should I see my GP instead of starting a consultation?
With a fever together with skin problems: contact your GP straight away.
Further reading
NVDV patient leaflet Atopic eczema (nvdv.nl). Xerosis cutis, droge huid (nvdv.nl). Impetigo, krentenbaard (nvdv.nl). Mollusca contagiosa, waterwratjes (nvdv.nl).
Similar conditions
Eczema
An umbrella term for itchy, inflamed and flaking skin.
Dry skin
Tight, flaky skin caused by a weakened moisture barrier.
Impetigo
A highly contagious skin infection with honey-coloured crusts.
Molluscum contagiosum
Small, shiny bumps caused by a virus, mostly in children.
Winter skin
Dry skin, chapped hands, chilblains and everything the cold sets off.
Itchy skin
Persistent itch, sometimes without a visible cause on the skin.
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